Tips to keep the children occupied

[UniqueSiren]

My children are on the autism spectrum and need a very high level of supervision. I couldn't even begin to explain if you have NT children, it's just fucking exhausting.

Despite them being quiet and I can have a break while they're doing this, I have had to place a limit on their screen time because they really could do it (play on their tablets, xbox, TV etc) ALL DAY and it's super unhealthy (obvs)

So I have a battle on my hands. They don't want to do anything at all (especially outside) they're moaning, crying, fighting (horribly - one just whipped the other in the face with a skipping rope!!!) and generally making everyone so miserable.

Throw all your clever keeping-them-occupied tips, ideas at me pleeeease. I would really like to read my book in the sun for an hour today, before the forecast rain comes again (I'm in Manchester)

How old are they and how much screen time are you allowing?

They're 7 & 8 - I'm allowing 3 hours

What are they into? Not non screen time but how about ‘scratch’ there is a free online version so they can make their own computer games.

Yeah that's a good idea but that IS screen time, they do that kind of thing often.

I was thinking along the lines of giving them a piece of chalk to draw on the shed - done that, husband complained :(

I'm saving the tablet for when I need a shower later.

I'm writing this while they have a nerf fight so I only have a few minutes before one shoots the other in the face and they're screaming again.

I'm so close to flipping out it's unreal - I have already shouted 'GO AWAY!!' this morning

I know it's still screen time but what about playing a movie in the garden? Put pillows and cushions in an empty paddling pool and set up the laptop. They will be quiet watching and getting fresh air and you can read your book in the sun.

You could also get them to make some movie snacks before.

I know a few kids on the spectrum who find water relaxing.
Buckets outside. Paintbrush and water

Scavenger hunt outside egg find a pink flower, 4 different leaves, a stone he same size as your finger nail etc

If they like it you could try doing it on a walk eg find a house with pink curtains

Freeze slices of watermelon or orange for them to eat - it takes longer. Have a rule it can only be eaten outside.

Hide stuff round the garden and give them a time limit to find it.

What's the time MrWolf

Hope you get your reading time in!

Look for 'five minute Mum' on Instagram or google it... she has a blog full of quick easy ideas to keep children entertained and they usually last longer than 5 mins and use up stuff you have in the house.

Yes this is the kind of thing - thank you.

I will definitely do the movie thing later on when DH & I are having a wine in the garden.

For now, I have relented and they're having one hour of computer time before lunch (during which I hope I can have a shower - fingers crossed)

DO they respond to a more 'structured' timetabling of the day?

Mine love water play.

Do either of them like building things, so Lego or other blocks? My DS spends hours building things with Jenga blocks.

Science type experiments? Either with kitchen ingredients or kits for chemistry or electronics, circuits etc.

Cooking? (Although you probably have to supervise I guess)

Do they have special interests you could plan things around? Draw pirate maps, Harry Potter creatures....

Hope you can find something that works

Another thought for the garden- do you have room for a trampoline?